September 29, 2010
Human Rights Council Defer Justice: PCHR & FIDH submit case files to International Criminal Court
Human Rights Council Defer Justice: PCHR & FIDH submit case files to International Criminal Court

 

Today, 29 September 2010, the UN Human Rights Council voted to defer international criminal justice. In a resolution drafted by the Palestinian Authority, the Council voted to extend the mandate of the Committee of Experts, and prolong domestic processes that have been proved ineffective.

 

As representatives of Palestinian victims of international law violations committed by Israeli forces – before, during, and after last year`s offensive – the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) and ,,, (FIDH) will continue to use all available legal mechanisms to represent the best interest of victims and to fight impunity, including through universal jurisdiction, the International Criminal Court, and UN mechanisms. We have no right to allow politics to take precedence over the rule of law and victims` legitimate, non-derogable rights.

 

For the second time, PCHR and FIDH jointly submitted case files to the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court. These cases provide clear evidence indicating the commission of international crimes during Israel`s 27 December 2008 – 18 January 2009 offensive on the Gaza Strip. Those
implicated in these crimes served at the highest levels of Israel`s political and military establishment.

 

It is imperative that the Office of the Prosecutor expedite the decision regarding the International Criminal Court`s jurisdiction over crimes committed in Palestine, and prevent the establishment of an effective zone of impunity, beyond the reach of enforceable international criminal law.